Christopher Lab
Marissa Ferry
3rd Year | PhD Program | Portland, OR
Email | ferr6285@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Michael Christopher
Research Focus | Intergenerational trauma and resilience in racially and ethnically diverse communities
Undergraduate Institution | Santa Clara University
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific due to the focus on both research and clinical work as well as the small cohort size, allowing for greater connection with both students and faculty
Favorite PhD course | My two favorite PhD courses so far have been Advanced Statistics in Psychology I and Applied Clinical Psychology II. I have never been one to enjoy mat, but statistics at Pacific was engaging, informative, and actually fun! Applied Clinical Psych has given a really in-depth understanding of not only diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, but also how we treat patients in general and how to be not only competent but also compassionate.
Hobbies | I enjoy reading, traveling (when it’s an available option), and spending time with my family, friends and dog!
Xander Kahle
1st Year | PhD Program | Portland, OR
Email | xanderk@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Michael Christopher
Research Focus | Mindfulness interventions for first responders
Undergraduate Institution | UC Berkeley
Why I chose Pacific | The primary reason I chose Pacific University was the opportunity to work with Dr. Christopher and conduct research on mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) for law enforcement officers. My goal entering graduate school was to enroll in a program where I could (a) study mindfulness, (b) as an intervention for a population that I’m interested in, (c) with a supportive mentor, (d) as part of a school that has a warm, collaborative culture. Pacific University checks all of these boxes. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s in the beautiful pacific northwest.
Favorite PhD course | History, Systems, and Ethics – this course will get you thinking about the big picture of psychology. It’s a great complement to the more technical work that we are typically immersed in.
Hobbies | Most of my hobbies involve exercise of some sort. I love tennis, weightlifting, jiu jitsu, basketball, and hiking. I’m also an avid meditator and reader of fiction.
Akeesha Simmons
2nd Year | PhD Program | Portland, OR
Email | simm4404@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Michael Christopher
Research Focus | My research interests include mindfulness-based interventions, chronic stress, and resilience
Undergraduate Institution | Hunter College, City University of New York
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because of the collaborative nature of the program and supportive environment. I also enjoy living in the Pacific Northwest, where I can partake in academic activities and nature-based hobbies!
Favorite PhD Course | Science and Practice of Mindfulness – this course incorporated multiple approaches (critical readings, class discussion, and experiential exercises) to help us better understand the theoretical basis of mindfulness meditation and its utility for clinicians. I enjoyed the balance of in-class dialogue regarding its scientific basis and engaging in daily embodied practice.
Hobbies | I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors with my loved ones
Alicia Vasquez
4th Year | PhD Program | Forest Grove, OR
Email | vasq1480@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Michael Christopher
Research Focus | Examine maternal stress during prenatal and perinatal periods and infant outcomes
Undergraduate Institution | Pacific University, Forest Grove Campus
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University for a number of reasons, including: (a) the PhD program offered in-depth clinical training as well as research opportunities geared toward my interests, (b) the program is one of only a few to offer a Latinx Psychology Emphasis which has allowed me to gain competencies in Latinx psychology and culturally informed work, and (c) I was able to stay in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the bonus of having family nearby.
Favorite PhD course | Applied Clinical Psych II – This course, currently taught by Dr. Harold Rosenberg, explores current and historical conceptualizations of mental disorders. This course helped me get acquainted with the diagnostic criteria of psychopathological disorders and evidence-based practices for treating such disorders. The applied nature of the course allowed me to practice basic clinical skills and helped me feel prepared for practicum at our training clinic.
Hobbies | I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with my dogs, playing Nintendo 64, doing freelance makeup, and any sort of quality time with my nieces.